"By the way, is this really okay?"
"I mean, just letting the Magic Council take Master Makarov away like that?" Ur turned to Ian and Gildarts, who had just sent off Makarov, unable to resist asking.
"No problem," Ian replied with a light smile. "Besides, the Magic Council gave us such a grand gift. It's only polite to return the favor."
"Otherwise, wouldn't we embarrass the Magic Council?"
"We'll just have Master Makarov write an apology or something. After all, at the level of the Ten Wizard Saints, unless you commit an unforgivable crime, it's usually just a matter of writing a formal apology."
Ian had experienced this sort of situation countless times, so he didn't think much of the Magic Council chasing after Makarov.
After all, the Magic Council knew better than anyone that their power in the continent of Ishgar rested on the balance with the Ten Wizard Saints.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," Ian reassured, glancing at Ur and Gildarts.
"Just as Ian says," Gildarts added with a nod. "There's no need to worry about Makarov's safety, Ur."
It was clear Gildarts didn't take the Council's actions seriously either. In fact, he'd never regarded the Magic Council with much importance.
"Anyway, I'm starving. I haven't eaten in three days! I was already exhausted from my mission, and after sparring with you guys just now, I've completely drained my magic and strength. So, let's go eat," Gildarts casually suggested.
"Uncle, your idea of being drained after three days without food means you can still destroy my super-magic Starfall with a single punch? Are you some kind of monster?" Ian retorted loudly, exasperated.
"Come on, let's go eat!" Gildarts ignored Ian's protest, slinging his arms around both Ian and Ur, leading them away.
With that, the top forces of Fairy Tail left the scene, leaving behind only devastation.
In the ruins that looked like they had been hit by a barrage of intercontinental missiles, the other wizards participating in the Fairy Tail 24-Hour Endurance Race continued their fierce battle, completely unaware that their guild master had been taken by the Council and that the S-Class wizards had left to eat and drink.
The wizards, lost in the heat of the race, had long forgotten the purpose of the competition…
In their minds, only one thing remained:
Kick their opponents' butts.
---
Meanwhile, at the Magic Council…
"Councilor Torch Endeavour…"
"Why did we grant the title of Wizard Saint to Ur from Fairy Tail?!"
"Fairy Tail's wizards, especially Gildarts, are already so arrogant! They never show respect to the Council! If we give another one of their wizards the title of Wizard Saint, how will we ever suppress their arrogance?!"
A Council official approached Torch Endeavour, one of the Councilors, questioning the decision.
"Heh, you don't understand, do you?"
"It's precisely because Fairy Tail is so arrogant that we should give one of their members the title of Wizard Saint!" Torch Endeavour responded coldly.
"Why?"
The official still didn't get it.
"You idiot, Ur is a powerhouse acknowledged by Warrod and the other senior Saints. Even without our title, she is still at the level of a Wizard Saint!"
"Do you have any idea how dangerous an unregulated, unrestrained powerhouse at the Saint level can be for the continent? Isn't Gildarts enough trouble?!"
"But once Ur becomes a Wizard Saint…"
"She'll be bound by the Council's rules for the Saints."
"That means she won't be able to act so arrogantly anymore."
"If she breaks the rules, she'll be punished!"
"This way, we can effectively curb Fairy Tail's arrogance."
Torch Endeavour's reasoning left the official stunned.
"Ah, I see!"
"As expected of you, Councilor. You've thought of things we couldn't even imagine," the official exclaimed, impressed.
"Heh…" Endeavour smirked coldly.
"That's why I'm a Councilor," he muttered to himself.
"Of course, of course…"
The staff agreed, nodding eagerly.
Torch Endeavour, nodding in satisfaction, thought to himself, Fairy Tail, Gray, Ur… this is as much as I can do for you.
But deep down, he knew: If a powerhouse at the level of a Wizard Saint truly wanted to break the Council's rules and refused punishment, what could the Magic Council do against such strength?
---
Back in the judgment hall.
"The trial of Makarov, the Wizard Saint and guild master of Fairy Tail, will now begin."
Under the watchful eyes of the Council's members, Makarov, the "notorious villain," finally took his seat.
Yes, although Makarov was the one being judged, he still had the privilege of sitting, a courtesy extended to him due to his status as a Wizard Saint.
"Makarov, as the master of Fairy Tail, you've allowed your guild members to wreak havoc on towns, endangering the Kingdom of Fiore. Do you admit to this or not?!" the presiding judge shouted.
"Ahh…" Makarov yawned, looking utterly uninterested.
"Makarov, show some respect to the Council! Respect this trial!" the judge roared, clearly feeling disrespected by Makarov's behavior.
"I'm listening," Makarov finally straightened up slightly, his expression becoming more serious as he sat on the golden throne representing his status as a Wizard Saint, radiating an air of authority.
For a moment, it seemed as though Makarov was the one in charge, while the Magic Council's judge looked more like a fool being judged.
Makarov thought to himself: The only reason I'm sitting here and letting you guys judge me is because I'm giving the Magic Council face. If I didn't feel like it, there might not even be a Magic Council left in Ishgar...
---
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